Watched the NBA All-Star "Game" last night and was reminded of a couple things:
Dirk Nowitzki’s substance never meshed with that exhibition’s style. And I can’t imagine him enjoying a farewell like the one currently being rolled out for Kobe Bryant.
Like Kobe, Dirk is 37. He’s won championships, MVPs, NBA Finals MVPs and made countless All-Star appearances.
Difference? Nowitzki is still playing at a high level and his team still has playoff hopes. Besides, Dirk is way too humble to be the center of "Farewell, Dirk" nights at opposing NBA arenas.
Until he’s wheeled off the court he’ll be trying to raise another championship banner for his team rather than a white flag of surrender.
I think Nowitzki will play next season and it might be his last. But don’t expect a pre-season announcement and a year-long coronation. He’s the kind of guy who will just announce in the locker room after a game, "Hey it’s been fun. See y’all later."
But there’s no way Dirk is done this season. He’s playing at an All-Star level and – truth be told - he deserved a spot on the West roster more than Kobe. But his game is aging elegantly. Rarely does he dribble-drive the lane anymore, but the Flamingo Fadeaway is as lethal as ever and the trail 3-pointer in transition is one of the league’s most feared shots.
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Bryant’s finished because his game was founded on athleticism. Dirk is built on guile and touch … and humility.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
